Huge boost for Ten Hag: United hopeful they can welcome two integral starters back to squad for So’ton trip

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 10: Erik ten Hag, the Manchester United manager issues instructions to his team prior to the penalty shoot out during the 2024 FA Community Shield match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on August 10, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Erik ten Hag has been navigating a handful of injury concerns since the season began but is poised to welcome two integral starters back to the fold after the international break.

All of Rasmus Hojlund, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Victor Lindelof, Mason Mount and Leny Yoro are sidelined as it stands, with the latter yet to make his competitive debut due to the metatarsal fracture he sustained during pre-season.

Mount started Manchester United’s opening two matches of the Premier League campaign before he suffered yet another layoff, this time with his hamstring. He has endured atrocious luck on the injury front since making the move from Chelsea last summer and now faces another spell out of action.

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Two crucial starters nearing return

On a more positive note, Manchester Evening News claims that United are hopeful Hojlund and Shaw will be able to feature against Southampton next Saturday, September 14.

The Dane pulled up with a hamstring concern during the same match that Yoro was withdrawn. Meanwhile, Shaw featured for England throughout Euro 2024 and, after tasting defeat in the final for the second time, returned to Carrington and picked up an injury as soon as he started training with the team. Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot have been deputising on the left-hand side of defence in his absence.